THE wife of the only competitor to be seriously injured in the Ironman half-triathlon has spoken of her shock over the accident.

Susan Clives says the extent of her husband s injuries was much greater than she would have expected.

Richard, 60, had an accident while competing in the cycle section of the race just over two weeks ago.

Although no-one knows exactly what happened, it took place on the A5 just after he had crossed Halfway Bridge, between Bethesda and Bangor.

Mr Clives, who lives in the Lake District, does not recollect the accident.

The alarm was raised by the next rider to come round the bridge bend. He stopped, giving up the race and possible qualification for an event in Hawaii, and called for an ambulance from a house nearby.

Mr Clives was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, and is recovering from head and chest injuries.

Mrs Clives said she first realised something was wrong when her husband, an experienced triathlete and former British champion, did not finish the race at around his expected time.

She approached St John Ambulance members at the finish and a senior officer broke the news of the accident.

Mrs Clives was then taken to the hospital by one of the St John ambulances on duty at the event.

"The help we have both received has been amazing," said Mrs Clives.

"The hospital staff have been fantastic. I have received help from so many different departments and I have been able to be at my husband's bedside at any time, day or night.

"The event organisers have been great, too. I am not able to say a bad word about the triathlon and its organisation. It has been first class.

"Finally, I would like to pay a special tribute to the volunteers of St John Ambulance. They have done so much for me, and Bangor divisional officer Laurel Knight has visited me almost every day since the accident and has also spent time at Richard's bedside.

"I don't know what I would have done without her."

Police are looking for Richard Clives's silver triathlon bike with special handlebars.

Anyone who has any information about the bike can call the Mail office in Caernarfon on 01286 671111.